The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has identified poverty, unemployment and ignorance as major drivers of trafficking in Nigeria, warning that vulnerable youths continue to fall prey to criminal networks due to limited economic and educational opportunities.
The Zonal Commander of NAPTIP in Kano, Mr. Abdullahi Babale, disclosed this on Wednesday while presenting a paper at a two-day training on Gender and Safeguarding, with a focus on the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA). The programme was organised by Self Help Africa in Kano.
Babale said the absence of sustainable income sources and limited vocational opportunities had left many young Nigerians exposed to traffickers who lure victims with promises of employment and improved living conditions.
According to him, unemployment and economic hardship make youths particularly susceptible to deception.
“The absence of viable economic opportunities creates desperation. Many young people are easily misled by false assurances of jobs and greener pastures,” he said.
He also identified inadequate access to quality education as a critical factor fueling trafficking, noting that poor educational exposure reduces awareness and weakens the ability of children and youths to assess risks.
“Limited access to education reduces awareness and critical thinking, thereby increasing vulnerability,” Babale added.
The NAPTIP commander further cited the growing demand for cheap and submissive child labour in the informal sector, alongside expanding migration opportunities enabled by improved communication and transportation systems.
He noted that the increasing desire among youths to travel abroad in search of better prospects has heightened exposure to trafficking syndicates.
Babale expressed concern over institutional lapses, including weak enforcement mechanisms and insufficient political commitment, which he said have hampered efforts to effectively prosecute offenders and curb child trafficking.
He warned that victims often endure severe abuse, including sexual exploitation, torture, emotional trauma and exposure to diseases.
According to him, traffickers deploy various control tactics such as intimidation, violence, deception, debt bondage, social isolation and identity manipulation to maintain dominance over victims. Blackmail and false promises are also commonly used to gain cooperation from victims and their families.
Babale called for intensified public enlightenment campaigns, improved access to education, and expanded economic empowerment initiatives as sustainable solutions to curb trafficking.
He urged parents, community leaders and stakeholders to work closely with security agencies and promptly report suspected cases.
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